Children & Adult Protection
Protecting children and vulnerable adults is at the heart of our mission. If you suspect someone is being harmed, please reach out — all reports are confidential.
In an emergency, call 911
If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. To report non-emergency concerns to Meigs County JFS, call 1-740-992-2117 during office hours.
Our community agreement
Meigs County partners with law enforcement, the courts, and others to protect children. Read our Memorandum of Understanding to Address Child Abuse & Neglect →
Children’s Protective Services
Children’s Protective Services investigates and assesses reports of suspected child abuse, neglect and dependency. Our caseworkers partner with families to keep children safe — whenever possible, in their own homes — and connect them with services and community resources.
- Anyone may report a concern; certain professionals are mandated reporters under Ohio law.
- Reports can be made confidentially.
- We work with families, courts and partners to develop a safety and case plan.
How to report child abuse or neglect
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected in Meigs County, call (740) 992-2117 and follow the prompts to report it. You can also call Ohio’s statewide hotline, 1-855-OH-CHILD (1-855-642-4453), any time.
You may also report by directly contacting the law enforcement agency or the Public Children Services Agency (PCSA) in the county where the incident occurred, or where the child and their parent, guardian or custodian live. To find the appropriate county PCSA, see the Ohio County Directory (PDF).
Child abuse and neglect cases are confidential by law. The law does not allow Children Services to release the name of the person who made a report.
Read the Child Abuse Fact Sheet (PDF)
Ohio’s Safe Haven Law
You can leave your baby, up to 30 days old, with an employee on duty at any hospital, emergency medical service provider, or law enforcement agency in Ohio. In Ohio, no one ever has to abandon a child again.
Confidential Safe Haven hotline
Call the toll-free hotline 1-888-510-BABY (1-888-510-2229) or visit National Safe Haven for more information.
Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates and evaluates reports of suspected abuse, neglect (including self-neglect) and exploitation of adults age 60 and older. Our goal is to protect older adults while respecting their independence and choices.
- All reports are confidential.
- APS can connect adults and caregivers with supportive services and community resources.
- Related programs include kinship support and court-appointed payee or guardian services.
To report suspected abuse, neglect (including self-neglect) or exploitation of an adult, contact the law enforcement agency or the county department of job and family services where the adult resides or where the incident occurred. To report elder abuse to Meigs County JFS, call (740) 992-2117.
Learn more: Adult Protective Services Fact Sheet (PDF) · Elder Abuse Brochure (PDF)
What happens when you make a report
Share what you know
Provide as much detail as you can — names, location and the reason for your concern. You don’t need proof to make a report.
We screen the report
Trained staff determine the appropriate response based on safety and Ohio guidelines.
Assessment
A caseworker gathers information, assesses safety, and identifies needed supports.
Connecting to services
We work with the family or adult to arrange services that promote safety and stability.
Frequently asked questions
Can I report anonymously?
What information should I have ready?
What are adult protective services?
Adult protective services help vulnerable adults age 60 and older who are in danger of harm, are unable to protect themselves, and may have no one to assist them. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) supervises the state's Adult Protective Services program and writes the rules and regulations.
Meigs County Job & Family Services receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults, evaluates the need for protective services, and receives guidance from ODJFS.
What types of things are considered abuse?
Abuse is the infliction (by one's self or others) of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation or cruel punishment with resulting physical harm, pain or mental anguish. Abusive maltreatment includes:
- Neglect — the failure of an adult to provide the goods or services necessary for their own safety and well-being, or the failure of a caretaker to provide such goods or services.
- Exploitation — the unlawful or improper act of a caretaker using an adult or their resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit or gain.
- Physical abuse — the intentional use of physical force that results in injury, pain or impairment (pushing, hitting, slapping, pinching, improper positioning, force feeding, restraining, or giving medication without the person's knowledge).
- Emotional abuse — threatening, humiliating, intimidating or otherwise psychologically hurting a person, including violating their right to make decisions and their privacy.
- Sexual abuse — rape or other unwanted, nonconsensual sexual contact, as well as forced or coerced nudity, exhibitionism and other non-touching sexual situations.
What is the best way to report suspected abuse or neglect?
To report suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect of a vulnerable adult, contact Meigs County Job & Family Services at 1-740-992-2117 (report in the county where the adult resides or where the incident occurred). During non-business hours, contact local law enforcement. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. All reports are confidential.
Meigs County, Ohio Benefits
Apply online any time, or contact our office during business hours. A 24-hour drop box is located at our main entrance.
